THE Crewe-born rail minister has vowed to pursue connecting his hometown with Northwich and mid Cheshire following a meeting with residents, businesses and Tatton's MP.

Paul Maynard, who has served as rail minister since July 2016, met with Esther McVey MP, the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association (MCRUA) and local firms at a meeting to discuss the mid Cheshire link line and the Manchester Airport western link.

Mr Maynard, the Conservative MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys, is now set to explore improved rail links across the area after hearing how it could boost the economy and ease congested roads.

“It was a really productive meeting, getting around the table with Paul,” Ms McVey said.

“Paul said he will pursue the issue on our behalf in the Department for Transport. He is a local lad, born and bred and he knows the area and knows the importance of these lines and how they could benefit us.

“We have to be able to connect our towns and connect mid Cheshire to Manchester. We have to take cars off the clogged roads and improve our transport links so we see the area continue to blossom.”

Ms McVey, who has previously raised transport issues in Parliament, is now promising to continue working with the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and all interested parties to highlight the importance of improving transport links in mid Cheshire.

John Oates, chairman of MCRUA, believes the meeting with Mr Maynard provided went well, providing ‘some useful guidance’.

“It was particularly useful also to have a discussion between those in the meeting about the next steps to take in order to bring these projects to fruition for the benefit of the Mid Cheshire and wider economy,” he said.

Mr Maynard added: “I was happy to meet Esther and MCRUA to discuss plans to meet growing demand for rail across Cheshire and Tatton, and look forward to seeing proposals develop.”